How to Prepare for Your Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy, or gallbladder removal, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure. It’s one of the most effective treatment options for gallstones and other gallbladder-related conditions. If you’re scheduled for surgery, it’s normal to have questions.

Preparing for surgery sets you up for a smooth procedure and a quicker recovery, and our team is here to help. Elvira Klause, MD, FACS, specializes in laparoscopic surgery and gallbladder removal in Laguna Hills, California. 

Here’s what you need to know about getting ready for your surgery.

Understand the procedure

During laparoscopic cholecystectomy, we make a few small incisions in your abdomen. These incisions are about the size of a buttonhole, and Dr. Klause inserts a tiny camera and specialized instruments through them to remove your gallbladder. 

Once your gallbladder is out, she closes the incisions with sutures or glue. Surgery typically takes 60-90 minutes.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a minimally invasive approach that doesn’t involve long, open incisions. And because of that, it typically results in less pain and a faster recovery than traditional surgery. 

In fact, most people go home the same day and return to their normal activities within a week or two.

Follow your preoperative instructions

Before surgery, we give you instructions to help you prepare, and you should follow these instructions closely. We’ll likely ask you to avoid eating or drinking anything for at least six to eight hours before your procedure to reduce the risk of complications from anesthesia.

We may ask you to make some adjustments to your medications ahead of surgery. You may need to adjust or temporarily stop some medications, including blood thinners, diabetes medications, and anti-inflammatory drugs. But never stop or change medication dosages without talking to your healthcare team first.

We might also recommend making some lifestyle changes to prepare your body for surgery. For example, eating a low-fat diet before surgery can help you avoid painful flare-ups when you have gallbladder issues.

Drinking plenty of water in the days leading up to surgery can help your body recover more efficiently. And finally, alcohol and smoking can interfere with healing and increase your risk of complications, so it's best to stop or limit these habits before surgery.

Plan for your recovery

After surgery, you may experience mild bloating, discomfort at the incision sites, and temporary digestive changes. Most people return to normal activities within a week or two. Follow our postoperative instructions and attend your follow-up appointments to ensure your body is healing properly.

Since laparoscopic cholecystectomy is an outpatient procedure, you need someone to drive you home on the day of your surgery. It’s also a good idea to arrange for help around the house for a few days, especially with tasks that require lifting or bending.

Stock up on easy-to-digest foods, like soup and crackers. Your digestive system may need time to adjust after gallbladder removal, but side effects typically resolve in time.

The thought of surgery can be intimidating, but taking the time to prepare helps things go more smoothly — both during surgery and while you’re recovering. 

Get more personalized advice on how to prepare for laparoscopic cholecystectomy by talking to Dr. Klause. Schedule a consultation online or call us at 949-245-6910.